The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State has denounced a statement attributed to former Governor David Umahi, who reportedly claimed he had "killed PDP" and would "unalive" the party if it tried to regain relevance before the 2027 general elections. PDP's Publicity Secretary, Prince Darlington Peter Onwe, described the remark as disturbing and inappropriate in a democratic environment. He emphasized that no individual politician can determine the existence or participation of a registered political party.
Onwe's statement was released in Abakaliki amid rising political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State. The PDP official expressed concern that Umahi's alleged comment was made in response to a question about his support for PDP's governorship candidate, Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii. Onwe argued that political disagreements should be addressed through arguments, policy differences, and competing programs, rather than language that could be interpreted as threats.
The PDP rebuked Umahi, stating that the party is a political organization, not an individual, and cannot be killed or unalive by any politician. The party belongs to millions of Nigerians who believe in democracy, constitutional governance, and the right to organize and contest elections. PDP emphasized that disagreement must not be expressed in language that can reasonably be interpreted as a threat against the existence of a political party or its members.
The opposition party called on Umahi to clarify his phrase, "we will unalive it," arguing that Nigerians deserve political competition based on ideas, records, and programs. PDP stated that political parties are institutions that can outlive individual politicians and that its history shows politicians can change platforms without determining the survival of the organizations they leave.
The PDP urged political leaders in Ebonyi to exercise restraint in their public statements, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections. The party recalled that previous election cycles in the state had been characterized by allegations of political intimidation and confrontation, making responsible political communication essential.
The PDP maintained that its members, including Odii, have the constitutional right to participate in the 2027 electoral process, and no politician can determine whether citizens exercise their political rights. The party vowed to pursue its political objectives through peaceful and constitutional means, while calling on its members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding.
The PDP challenged Umahi and other political actors in Ebonyi to engage the electorate on policies, development programs, and their respective records in governance, rather than rhetoric that could deepen political apprehension. The party emphasized that elections are decided by the people, not by declarations that one politician has killed or will kill a political party.
Key points
- The PDP condemns Umahi's remark as disturbing and inappropriate in a democratic environment.
- The party emphasizes that no individual politician can determine the existence or participation of a registered political party.
- The PDP urges political leaders in Ebonyi to exercise restraint in their public statements ahead of the 2027 elections.
